This 396-room, upper-middle-range Riu Playacar is located in the residential, gated Playacar community near Playa del Carmen. It's the nicest of the four Classic-level Riu properties in the complex (and priced accordingly); thanks to 2015 renovations, it's also even fresher than the two more expensive Palace-level properties. It’s jam-packed with activities, including nightly live shows, and there are four restaurants (but no room service or personal waiter service at the beach, unlike at the pricier Riu Palace Mexico and Riu Palace Riviera Maya). The kids' club has its own pool with small waterslides, and there are three other pools for the whole family, on top of an on-site gym and spa. Those looking for a cheaper option may prefer the Hotel Riu Tequila, but it's farther from the beach.
This 396-room, upper-middle-range Riu Playacar is located in the residential, gated Playacar community near Playa del Carmen. It's the nicest of the four Classic-level Riu properties in the complex (and priced accordingly); thanks to 2015 renovations, it's also even fresher than the two more expensive Palace-level properties. It’s jam-packed with activities, including nightly live shows, and there are four restaurants (but no room service or personal waiter service at the beach, unlike at the pricier Riu Palace Mexico and Riu Palace Riviera Maya). The kids' club has its own pool with small waterslides, and there are three other pools for the whole family, on top of an on-site gym and spa. Those looking for a cheaper option may prefer the Hotel Riu Tequila, but it's farther from the beach.
Krystal Cancun's 435 rooms rise high above Punta Cancun, one of central Cancun's most picturesque viewpoints, with outlooks of both the lagoon and sparkling blue ocean. This Mexican-owned hotel is a contemporary, upper-middle-range resort with an all-inclusive option that's popular with Mexican and international guests alike. While there can be great discrepancy between the newer and older rooms (renovations are ongoing), guests can expect some great food, a social atmosphere, and a nice stretch of practically perfect beachfront. If you are looking to step it up a notch, next-door sister property Krystal Grand has non-reciprocal access to the Krystal Cancun and is a tad more upscale.
Krystal Cancun's 435 rooms rise high above Punta Cancun, one of central Cancun's most picturesque viewpoints, with outlooks of both the lagoon and sparkling blue ocean. This Mexican-owned hotel is a contemporary, upper-middle-range resort with an all-inclusive option that's popular with Mexican and international guests alike. While there can be great discrepancy between the newer and older rooms (renovations are ongoing), guests can expect some great food, a social atmosphere, and a nice stretch of practically perfect beachfront. If you are looking to step it up a notch, next-door sister property Krystal Grand has non-reciprocal access to the Krystal Cancun and is a tad more upscale.
The 687-room Hard Rock Riviera Maya is an upscale all-inclusive resort that pushes hard to instill its brand name. Expect rock-themed rooms, all with jetted tubs and balconies (some with ocean views). There are three pools, six restaurants, two kids' clubs, a constant barrage of adventure activities, a convention center, and Wi-Fi even in the remote areas. Note that even though this is the family-friendly side of the Hard Rock complex (sister resort Heaven at Hard Rock is for adults only), it can still get a bit rowdy during high season. The biggest downside here is the man-made beach on a lagoon; for a natural beach on the ocean, consider the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun instead.
The 687-room Hard Rock Riviera Maya is an upscale all-inclusive resort that pushes hard to instill its brand name. Expect rock-themed rooms, all with jetted tubs and balconies (some with ocean views). There are three pools, six restaurants, two kids' clubs, a constant barrage of adventure activities, a convention center, and Wi-Fi even in the remote areas. Note that even though this is the family-friendly side of the Hard Rock complex (sister resort Heaven at Hard Rock is for adults only), it can still get a bit rowdy during high season. The biggest downside here is the man-made beach on a lagoon; for a natural beach on the ocean, consider the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun instead.
The 327-room Now Amber Puerto Vallarta is a family-friendly, four-and-half-pearl oceanfront property. The location is right on the beach and 15 minutes from the airport and downtown Puerto Vallarta. Seven restaurants and bars are all-inclusive, including premium alcohol. All of the spacious, sleek rooms are suites with private balconies. There's a huge spa, gorgeous pools, and separate clubs for kids and teens. The hotel doesn't nickel-and-dime guests with extra charges: everything from parking to Wi-Fi to towels and minibars are included. Note that some of the hotel's facilities (a few restaurants and the spa) are actually located next door at the sister property, Secrets.
The 327-room Now Amber Puerto Vallarta is a family-friendly, four-and-half-pearl oceanfront property. The location is right on the beach and 15 minutes from the airport and downtown Puerto Vallarta. Seven restaurants and bars are all-inclusive, including premium alcohol. All of the spacious, sleek rooms are suites with private balconies. There's a huge spa, gorgeous pools, and separate clubs for kids and teens. The hotel doesn't nickel-and-dime guests with extra charges: everything from parking to Wi-Fi to towels and minibars are included. Note that some of the hotel's facilities (a few restaurants and the spa) are actually located next door at the sister property, Secrets.
The Hotel Riu Yucatan is an upper-mid-range, all-inclusive resort on the beach that attempts to please everyone, but often falls short. Wristbands are required of all guests and though there are several restaurants and bars, the food is mostly bland and the drinks are watered down. An upgrade to a Suite is required if you want a bathroom door; liquor dispensers on the wall might be unappealing for families (but are a nice surprise for partiers). The white sandy beach is clean and there are two outdoor swimming pools, plus a pool with a swim-up bar and a small pool in the kids' club. It may be worth comparing rates at ClubHotel Riu Tequila across the street; rates are slightly lower and you get access to everything offered at Riu Yucatan.
The Hotel Riu Yucatan is an upper-mid-range, all-inclusive resort on the beach that attempts to please everyone, but often falls short. Wristbands are required of all guests and though there are several restaurants and bars, the food is mostly bland and the drinks are watered down. An upgrade to a Suite is required if you want a bathroom door; liquor dispensers on the wall might be unappealing for families (but are a nice surprise for partiers). The white sandy beach is clean and there are two outdoor swimming pools, plus a pool with a swim-up bar and a small pool in the kids' club. It may be worth comparing rates at ClubHotel Riu Tequila across the street; rates are slightly lower and you get access to everything offered at Riu Yucatan.
The biggest draws at this upscale, 840-room mega-resort near Puerto Morelos are the modern decor, the impressive pool complex, and great food. There are a whopping 11 pools, some with ocean views and swim-up bars; a kiddy splash park; nine restaurants (no reservations required); 24-hour room service; tons of activities, including yoga, Zumba, and aqua aerobics; both a kids' and teens' club; terrific spa with hydrotherapy pools; and a spacious, modern fitness center. Gorgeous rooms all have whirlpool tubs, and there are swim-out options available, as well as an adult-only Hideaway section. There are some drawbacks -- the most significant of which is the underwhelming beach. Other potential issues: not enough shade at the pools (prepare to get up super early to snag a shaded lounger), long waits for dinner at the a la carte restaurants, swamp smells from the mangrove marsh, and a sprawling layout (the resort can take 20 minutes to walk across). Those seeking a better beach should consider staying in the Cancun Hotel Zone instead.
The biggest draws at this upscale, 840-room mega-resort near Puerto Morelos are the modern decor, the impressive pool complex, and great food. There are a whopping 11 pools, some with ocean views and swim-up bars; a kiddy splash park; nine restaurants (no reservations required); 24-hour room service; tons of activities, including yoga, Zumba, and aqua aerobics; both a kids' and teens' club; terrific spa with hydrotherapy pools; and a spacious, modern fitness center. Gorgeous rooms all have whirlpool tubs, and there are swim-out options available, as well as an adult-only Hideaway section. There are some drawbacks -- the most significant of which is the underwhelming beach. Other potential issues: not enough shade at the pools (prepare to get up super early to snag a shaded lounger), long waits for dinner at the a la carte restaurants, swamp smells from the mangrove marsh, and a sprawling layout (the resort can take 20 minutes to walk across). Those seeking a better beach should consider staying in the Cancun Hotel Zone instead.
This large four-pearl, 500-room resort is nestled between Playa Del Carmen and Cancun. Overlooking beautiful turquoise waters and powder white sands, it's a short five-minute drive from Puerto Morelos. All rooms are modern and simply decorated, with balconies and flat-screen TVs, though Wi-Fi costs extra. This all-inclusive resort has sprawling, palm-studded grounds that contain plenty of facilities, including five attractive restaurants, several bars, two pools, and an adult-only whirlpool. There's plenty of entertainment, much of it geared toward families, including live music, pool activities, and a kids' club. A full-service spa, marina, fitness center, water sports, tour desk, and an outdoor tennis court are additional nice-to-haves. Travelers looking for an adult-only hotel should consider rates at the Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso instead, which adds free Wi-Fi and a Vegas-style theater.
This large four-pearl, 500-room resort is nestled between Playa Del Carmen and Cancun. Overlooking beautiful turquoise waters and powder white sands, it's a short five-minute drive from Puerto Morelos. All rooms are modern and simply decorated, with balconies and flat-screen TVs, though Wi-Fi costs extra. This all-inclusive resort has sprawling, palm-studded grounds that contain plenty of facilities, including five attractive restaurants, several bars, two pools, and an adult-only whirlpool. There's plenty of entertainment, much of it geared toward families, including live music, pool activities, and a kids' club. A full-service spa, marina, fitness center, water sports, tour desk, and an outdoor tennis court are additional nice-to-haves. Travelers looking for an adult-only hotel should consider rates at the Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso instead, which adds free Wi-Fi and a Vegas-style theater.
The 288-room Catalonia Royal Tulum is an adult-only all-inclusive with a beautiful beach (despite some seaweed) and large pool. None of the rooms have ocean views, but they're large; the more stylish Privileged Deluxe Rooms are well worth the upgrade. Being a Privileged guest also means VIP beach access, and premium drinks at any of the bars and restaurants throughout the hotel. Food at Catalonia is mediocre, and restaurants range from the typical all-inclusive buffet to an outdoor tapas spot, to fine-dining Italian. There is a small on-site spa and fitness center, but neither is as nice as those at sister property Catalonia Riviera Maya.
The 288-room Catalonia Royal Tulum is an adult-only all-inclusive with a beautiful beach (despite some seaweed) and large pool. None of the rooms have ocean views, but they're large; the more stylish Privileged Deluxe Rooms are well worth the upgrade. Being a Privileged guest also means VIP beach access, and premium drinks at any of the bars and restaurants throughout the hotel. Food at Catalonia is mediocre, and restaurants range from the typical all-inclusive buffet to an outdoor tapas spot, to fine-dining Italian. There is a small on-site spa and fitness center, but neither is as nice as those at sister property Catalonia Riviera Maya.
Boasting scenery in every direction, this 250-room cliffside resort has enjoyed icon status ever since Keith Richards wed Patti Hansen here in ’83. Sandos has undergone expansion and renovations since then, but one thing didn't change: the panoramic views of the sea, the bay, and rugged mountains in between. All guests have unlimited access to multiple bars and restaurants, 24-hour room service, and a kids club; there are also an expansive beach leading to El Arco and four gorgeous pools. Simple rooms come with minibars and balconies, but romantic couples should consider upgrading to the Finisterra Suites for modern decor and access to VIP areas. Rates are among the most competitive in the area for an upscale resort; the Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas is similarly priced but larger and more crowded.
Boasting scenery in every direction, this 250-room cliffside resort has enjoyed icon status ever since Keith Richards wed Patti Hansen here in ’83. Sandos has undergone expansion and renovations since then, but one thing didn't change: the panoramic views of the sea, the bay, and rugged mountains in between. All guests have unlimited access to multiple bars and restaurants, 24-hour room service, and a kids club; there are also an expansive beach leading to El Arco and four gorgeous pools. Simple rooms come with minibars and balconies, but romantic couples should consider upgrading to the Finisterra Suites for modern decor and access to VIP areas. Rates are among the most competitive in the area for an upscale resort; the Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas is similarly priced but larger and more crowded.
True to this high-end brand's reputation, The Cape, a Thompson Hotel is arguably one of the swankiest hotels in Cabo San Lucas. The 161 rooms vary greatly, but all have a sharp look plus luxury amenities including spacious glass-enclosed bathrooms, ocean-view balconies or terraces, in-room cocktail bars, and (optional) private hot tubs. Many include services like butlers and in-villa check-in. The property has two pools, an excellent surfer’s beach, a world-class Mexican restaurant, and a breathtaking spa, it’s unlikely guests will find much to fuss over. However, the secluded location away from town may dissuade some guests, though that's just what others are looking for. Although it lacks a usable beach, The Resort at Pedregal has a more rustic-chic finish and the same amenities for less money.
True to this high-end brand's reputation, The Cape, a Thompson Hotel is arguably one of the swankiest hotels in Cabo San Lucas. The 161 rooms vary greatly, but all have a sharp look plus luxury amenities including spacious glass-enclosed bathrooms, ocean-view balconies or terraces, in-room cocktail bars, and (optional) private hot tubs. Many include services like butlers and in-villa check-in. The property has two pools, an excellent surfer’s beach, a world-class Mexican restaurant, and a breathtaking spa, it’s unlikely guests will find much to fuss over. However, the secluded location away from town may dissuade some guests, though that's just what others are looking for. Although it lacks a usable beach, The Resort at Pedregal has a more rustic-chic finish and the same amenities for less money.